PENSACOLA, Fla. – After the impact of Winter Storm Enzo, which dumped heavy snow and caused widespread disruption, students in Escambia and Santa Rosa County Schools returned to classes on Monday. However, school administrators are still unsure if students will need to make up the four snow days missed last week.
In Santa Rosa County, Superintendent Karen Barber explained that the district includes storm days in the academic calendar to prepare for events like Winter Storm Enzo. The storm brought over 10 inches of snow and freezing temperatures, closing schools for most of the week. Barber confirmed that the district has two storm days built into the calendar for the second semester but has not yet made a decision on whether make-up days will be necessary. Families will be notified if any changes are made.
Escambia County saw similar disruptions, with 7.55 inches of snow recorded, including a record-breaking 8.9 inches in Pensacola. Superintendent Keith Leonard stated that the district would work with the Florida Department of Education to ensure compliance with state mandates, which require 180 teaching days. Details about the number of storm days pre-built into the calendar were not provided, but Leonard assured the public that updates will be communicated as decisions are finalized.
The storm’s effects were far-reaching, closing Interstate 10 and many roads, and forcing local businesses, medical providers, and restaurants to shut down. This was the longest closure both districts had experienced since the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
School officials prioritize the health and safety of students when making decisions, and with freezing temperatures and dangerous road conditions, the closures were deemed necessary.
